After 13 years, the Liberals are using Hydro as a cash cow to pay for their waste rather than protecting jobs and the economy.

Today in Question Time, Minister for Energy Nick Duigan has refused to direct Hydro to honour its obligation to the state and secure a long-term power agreement with Bell Bay Aluminium by the end of the month.

After the collapse of Liberty Bell Bay, the Premier also refused to answer whether or not his Government has done any modelling on the impact of another major industrial collapse on Tasmanian power prices.

Energy analysts estimate that the closure of Bell Bay Aluminium could add around 2 per cent to household power bills by shifting its network costs onto other customers. 

Under its Ministerial Charter, Hydro is supposed to act in Tasmania’s interests first and foremost, and enable economic growth and job creation in Tasmania.

It is impossible to see how another 550 Tasmanians in the north losing their jobs, while power prices go up, is in Tasmania’s best interests.

After 13 years in government, the Liberals are more interested in using Hydro as a cash cow to pay for their waste rather than a genuine economic enabler for the state.

Hydro Tasmania doesn't exist simply to maximise next year's dividend. It exists to help build Tasmania's long-term prosperity – and Labor will always fight for that.